Council informs residents of upcoming changes to landlines

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is sharing important information regarding upcoming changes to BT landlines. BT is moving customers with the lowest landline usage (who have not advised they have additional needs or need additional support) to Digital Voice. From April 2025, BT will begin migrating vulnerable customers on a regional basis, with additional support such as free engineer visits and battery back-up equipment offered.

It is important to note that landlines are not going away but are simply being upgraded. The Council recognises that some residents still rely on their home phone line and may feel anxious about making the switch however no one will be left without service, and support will be available to ensure a smooth process.

For most people, Digital Voice will not significantly change how they use their home phone. The transition will involve connecting your phone to a router instead of the traditional wall socket. BT promises that service quality, pricing plans, and bills will remain unchanged.

This new service will run over the broadband network and bring numerous benefits, including enhanced features like advanced spam call blocking.

The Council is working with BT to ensure that all residents are well-informed and reassured about the change. BT have advised they will contact customers with clear instructions when it’s time for the switch over in their area, and for most customers, the transition will be simple and free of charge, with no installation needed. Users will also be able to keep their current phone number.

Customers will be notified four weeks before their switch date to help them prepare. For those who may need extra assistance, including vulnerable customers, BT will provide additional support to ensure everyone is ready for the transition.

If your provider isn’t BT please get in touch with them directly.

For more information, please visit www.bt.com/digital-voice or contact Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Age Friendly Officer via telephone at 0300 303 1777 or email age.friendly@fermanaghomagh.com